Book description
Combining psychoanalytic emphasis on the unconscious with a respect for the historical variability of sexual identities, this work of queer theory makes the case for vewing erotic desire as fundamentally impersonal. Dean develops a reading of Jacques Lacan that - rather than straightening out this notoriously difficult French psychoanalyst -ā¦
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Why read it?
1 author picked Beyond Sexuality as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Beyond Sexuality is the most consequential psychoanalytic intervention in queer theory.
Much of queer theory has used Michel Foucaultās History of Sexuality to reject or downplay psychoanalysis. Dean argues that psychoanalysis, particularly in the writings and seminars of French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan, offers a far more useful theoretical model.
Such theorists as Judith Butler misconstrue sexual desire by focusing on identity, rather than language and its effects. Desire, according to psychoanalysis, does not arise from our identificationsānot even our gender identificationsābut from the failures of identity. Desire is not constructed in language but manifests precisely where language breaks down.
Beyondā¦
From Merrill's list on queer theory to gain an understanding of the field.
If you love Beyond Sexuality...
The Rosewood Penny
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On a small, isolated island, in a reclusive forest, lives bandit leader Marani and her brother Jacks. With their outlaw band they rob from the rich to feed themselves, raiding carriages and dodging the occasional vindictiveā¦
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